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Spin waves and quantum criticality in the frustrated XY pyrochlore antiferromagnet Er2Ti2O7
J P C Ruff1, J P Clancy, A Bourque
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4M1, Canada.
Physical Review Letters
|October 15, 2008
Summary
This study reveals unique magnetic behaviors in Er2Ti2O7, showing a complex ground state with coexisting order and excitations. Magnetic fields drive quantum phase transitions in this frustrated system.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- Er2Ti2O7 features a pyrochlore lattice with Er3+ ions, known for magnetic frustration.
- Local XY anisotropy and antiferromagnetic interactions contribute to complex magnetic ordering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the low-temperature magnetic phase diagram of Er2Ti2O7.
- To characterize the unconventional low-energy magnetic states and excitations.
- To explore the influence of magnetic fields on the ground state and phase transitions.
Main Methods:
- Detailed heat capacity measurements on single crystals.
- Time-of-flight neutron scattering experiments.
- Analysis of magnetic phase transitions under varying magnetic fields.
Main Results:
- Observed coexistence of short- and long-range magnetic order in the zero-field ground state.
- Identified soft collective spin excitations previously thought to be absent.
- Mapped a continuous tuning of the ground state through noncollinear phases via magnetic fields.
- Detected a quantum phase transition at approximately 1.5 T, marked by vanishing spin fluctuation energy scale.
Conclusions:
- Er2Ti2O7 exhibits an unconventional frustrated magnetic system with unique ground states and excitations.
- Quantum fluctuations drive a second-order phase transition, significantly altering the magnetic landscape.
- The findings provide new insights into the physics of frustrated magnets and quantum phase transitions.
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